Atlas
Barbell Lateral Squat: starting position Barbell Lateral Squat: end position

Squat · Quads

Barbell Lateral Squat

A squat exercise that works the quads. Beginner level, using barbell & rack.

BeginnerBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryQuads
SecondaryCalves (gastrocnemius & soleus), Hamstrings, Lower back

Quads, adductors, and glutes.

Setup and loading

Foot of the bending leg turned out.

How to do the barbell lateral squat step by step

  1. Bar across your shoulders, feet wide apart.
  2. Shift to one side, bending that knee while keeping the other leg straight.
  3. Return to center and switch sides.

Form cues

  • Chest up
  • Heel down

Common mistakes

  • Lifting your heel
Advertisement

Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

0 of 2

Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Olympic barbell and platesTo keep progressing on the big lifts with heavy loads.

As an Amazon Associate, Muscle Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.

Variations and similar exercises

Advertisement